Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced its latest list of centrally contracted players on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Four familiar names were left out: fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger, veteran batter David Miller, and top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen.
Fast Bowlers Pay the Price for Injuries
The biggest reason behind the exits of Coetzee, Burger, and Lizaad Williams is the lack of playing time, largely due to injuries.
South Africa played 53 matches since the previous contract list was announced in April 2025. Those 53 games included seven Tests, 12 ODIs, and 34 T20Is. Coetzee was available for just eight of those, all T20Is. Burger played in 15 games, covering nine ODIs and six T20Is. Williams featured in just one ODI and five T20Is.
Together, the three fast bowlers took part in less than 5% of the total playing spots across those 53 matches.
However, both Coetzee and Burger have been named in a group of 20 “players of national interest,” meaning CSA is keeping an eye on them for future selection.
Veterans Miller And Van der Dussen Also Exit
David Miller, aged 36, and Rassie van der Dussen, aged 37, have also lost their contracts. The two players had been the first to receive “hybrid contracts” when CSA introduced that system last year. Those deals allowed senior players to stay available for select series and ICC events while being free to play in global T20 leagues.
This time around, neither player received any contract. Reeza Hendricks was also let go after only 12 T20I appearances during the same period.
New Faces Earn First Contracts
Four players picked up their maiden central contracts: Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, and Dewald Brevis. All four have made solid impressions in recent months and are seen as part of South Africa’s long-term plans.
The only hybrid contract this year goes to off-spinner Simon Harmer, also 37. South Africa have two Tests in Sri Lanka coming up and Harmer is expected to partner Keshav Maharaj in the spin attack.
Full Men’s Contract List
Central contracts (18 players): Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.
Hybrid contract: Simon Harmer.
Women’s Side Sees Minimal Change
There are very few changes on the women’s side. Eliz-Marie Marx is the only player to lose her contract. Karabo Meso earned her first deal, joining the list of 15 contracted women’s players.
